When Flying Was Still an Extraordinary Adventure Today, flying across the world is something many people take for granted. But approximately 100 years ago, boarding an airplane in Japan was an extraordinary experience. This fascinating antique ceramic ashtray commemorates that remarkable era in Japanese aviation history. Beautifully shaped like a twin-engine airplane, it features two propellers, broad wings, intricate details, and a rich brown glaze. More importantly, its Japanese inscriptions reveal a story that goes far beyond its unusual appearance. The Inscriptions Tell the Story The following Japanese inscriptions appear on the piece: – Japan Flying School An early Japanese aviation school involved in training pilots during the pioneering years of flight. Japan Automobile School An automobile training institution historically connected with the Japan Flying School. Commemorating a Passenger Flight This inscription indicates that the piece was created to commemorate the experience of flying aboard an airplane. Kamata, Tokyo A district of Tokyo associated with the schools’ early aviation activities. Together, these inscriptions connect the ashtray to a specific place, two educational institutions, and the unforgettable experience of early flight. Dating the Piece: Japan’s Aviation Pioneering Years The Japan Flying School was originally established in 1917. In 1921, aviation training became associated with the Japan Automobile School in Kamata, Tokyo. A training facility was subsequently established at Tachikawa Airfield in 1923. Because this ashtray bears the names of both schools and the location “Tokyo Kamata, ” it may date from the 1920s, particularly the late Taisho to early Showa period. The exact manufacturing date remains unknown. Imagine Seeing Japan from the Sky for the First Time Imagine stepping aboard an airplane at a time when flying was still a rare adventure. The propellers begin to turn. Then, suddenly, the ground falls away. The streets, houses, rivers, and fields of Japan appear below in a way few people had ever experienced. For someone taking a commemorative passenger flight, it may have been an unforgettable day. This little ceramic airplane preserves a connection to that remarkable experience. From Civil Aviation to Aviation History Early civilian flying schools played an important role in developing Japan’s aviation knowledge and training future pilots. During the following decades, aviation became increasingly important to both civilian transportation and military development. Although this ashtray is not identified as military-issued equipment, it represents an interesting chapter in the history of Japanese aviation before World War II. Details & Condition Antique Japanese ceramic airplane-shaped ashtray Twin-engine aircraft design with two propellers Brown glazed finish Inscriptions identifying Japan Flying School and Japan Automobile School Commemorative passenger flight inscription “Kamata, Tokyo” location marking Likely associated with the early decades of Japanese aviation Exact manufacturing date and aircraft model are unknown Please carefully examine the photographs for the condition and details. A Small Piece of Aviation History This is more than a decorative ceramic airplane. It preserves the names of two schools, a place in Tokyo, and the memory of a time when taking to the skies was something truly extraordinary. Nearly a century later, that sense of wonder remains. Own a Piece of History. International Buyers – Please Note.
Published in Japan in 1935, this is a special issue of the prewar naval magazine Umi to Sora (“Sea and Sky”), titled: World Naval Yearbook, Vol. An important point is that this was not an official Imperial Japanese Navy publication. However, it was far more serious than an ordinary hobby book. The publisher, Umi to Sora-sha, specialized in naval and aviation subjects and produced the long-running prewar magazine Umi to Sora. Its publications covered Japanese and foreign navies, warships, aircraft, naval technology, and strategy, and were aimed at readers with a serious interest in military and naval affairs. In other words, this was a professional Japanese naval reference publication intended for knowledgeable readers, enthusiasts, students, researchers, and people connected with the maritime and military world. The year 1935 gives the book additional historical interest. At that time, Britain still possessed one of the world’s most powerful navies. Japan and Britain had once been allies, but by the 1930s their strategic relationship had changed dramatically. This book therefore preserves a fascinating prewar perspective: How did Japanese naval specialists and readers view the Royal Navy before Britain became Japan’s wartime enemy? Only about six years after this volume was published, Japan and Britain would be at war across the Pacific and Southeast Asia. That makes this more than simply an old warship photo book. It is a period Japanese reference source documenting how the Royal Navy was studied and presented in prewar Japan. The cover prominently features the British naval ensign and a battleship, making the subject immediately recognizable to Royal Navy and naval-history collectors. 19 × 25.5 cm Pages: 229 Condition shows age-related wear, toning, staining, and damage to the cover and spine consistent with a publication approximately 90 years old. A strong historical piece for collectors of Royal Navy history, Imperial Japanese naval history, prewar military publications, warship photography, and international naval studies. Own a Piece of History. International Buyers – Please Note.
This original commemorative photo album was issued in August 1924 (Taisho 13) by the Imperial Japanese Army Cavalry School Training Unit. The cover is titled. “Commemoration of the Army Cavalry School Training Unit – August 1924″. And preserves a remarkable visual record of one of the most prestigious military training institutions of pre-war Japan. Unlike ordinary soldier portraits, this album documents the daily operations and training environment of the Cavalry School itself. Horse inspection and veterinary activities. Stables and horse management facilities. Field exercises and tactical instruction. School buildings and administrative facilities. One particularly interesting aspect is the inclusion of machine gun training alongside traditional cavalry instruction. Following the lessons of World War I, military forces around the world were attempting to adapt cavalry doctrine to modern warfare. This album captures that transitional period when horse-mounted units still existed, yet increasingly trained alongside modern weapons and battlefield tactics. The album therefore provides not only a record of Japanese cavalry, but also a glimpse into the transformation of military doctrine during the interwar period. Japanese cavalry units would eventually disappear with mechanization, making surviving materials from this era increasingly desirable among military historians and collectors. Condition shows age-related wear, staining, and cover deterioration consistent with nearly 100 years of age. A highly informative and visually impressive reference piece for collectors of Imperial Japanese Army memorabilia, cavalry history, and early twentieth-century military photography. Original 1924 Imperial Japanese Army photo album. Army Cavalry School Training Unit issue. Mounted cavalry training photographs. Machine gun and field exercise images. Stable and horse management scenes. Officer and instructor portraits. Pre-WWII military education material. Approximately 100 years old. Valuable military history reference. No political endorsement or ideological support is intended. International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.
This original pre-WWII panoramic class photograph includes numerous officers who later became U. Army general officers during World War II, including Lieutenant General Manton S. Original black & white panoramic photograph. Command and General Staff School. Approximately 32″ x 12″ framed. Printed roster of officers across the top. Wood frame with glass. This piece was acquired from the collection of a military museum that was closing and has remained framed for many years. It is being offered as an original historical display piece. The photograph displays well overall. The frame shows cosmetic wear, including paint loss and edge wear. There are visible age-related creases and waviness to the paper beneath the glass, along with some light discoloration from age. Please review all photographs carefully, as they are part of the description.
Original 1932 Battle of Soochow Creek “Bravery and Valor” medal associated with the U. 4th Marines stationed in Shanghai, China. This unusual unofficial/satirical decoration originated among members of the 4th Marines during the 1932 Shanghai crisis. The obverse depicts the famous “honey” cart and is inscribed SOOCHOW / FOR VALOR / CREEK 32. ” The reverse reads “PRESENTED TO / [blank] / FOR BRAVERY AND VALOR / BATTLE OF SOOCHOW CREEK / SHANGHAI 1932. They were produced in limited numbers and are now a scarce and highly collectible piece of China Marine history. This example retains its yellow and brown ribbon and large pin-style suspension. The ribbon is heavily worn, torn and fragile from age, as shown. Medal displays attractive aged patina and surface wear consistent with its age. The recipient panel on the reverse is blank/unnamed. Please review all photographs closely for exact condition.
Incredibly rare Volume 1, 1929, No 36, “The Walla Walla” newsweekly of the 4th Marine Regiment in Shanghai, China. The first volume, were loose leaf newspaper style pages. 6 pages in total. Later in 1929, it became a magazine with full art cover and advertisers and more pages. Published during the Golden era of early China. China duty was desired by Marines and being a China Marine was a top honor for any Marine. Issue is complete and in excellent (folded) condition. This issue is approaching 100 years old! There are very few early Volume 1 issues that ever come to the collector’s market!
See photos for condition.
The product is a rare lot of four original postcard booklets from World War 1, specifically focused on the Battle of Verdun. These collectible items fall under the category of militaria and are perfect for history enthusiasts or collectors interested in wartime memorabilia. The postcards offer a unique glimpse into the past and provide valuable insights into the eventful years of 1919-38.
This is a rare Imperial Japanese Navy award piece dating from 1936. Inside the helmet is the inscription. “1936 – Imperial Japanese Navy Skill Examination Award”. The Japanese Navy conducted examinations to evaluate professional military skills required of its personnel. This was not an ordinary souvenir distributed to every sailor. Pieces such as this were presented as awards to a limited number of servicemen who demonstrated particularly strong ability and achieved excellent results. The object is designed in the form of a traditional Japanese. Samurai helmet, or kabuto. The type of protective armor historically worn by Japan’s warrior class. It features large decorative horns at the front, known as. A three-dimensional dragon ornament at the top, and metal fittings inspired by traditional Japanese military symbolism. Please note that this is. Not a full-size wearable helmet. It is a heavy metal miniature display piece made specifically as a commemorative award. Giving it a surprisingly substantial feel for its size. One of the metal fittings is marked. The Hattori name is historically associated with Kintaro Hattori, founder of Hattori Clock Shop, the company that eventually developed into the internationally known. Kintaro Hattori also established Seikosha, an important predecessor in the history of Seiko manufacturing. However, the “Hattori Made” marking alone is not sufficient to state with certainty that this piece was manufactured directly by Hattori Clock Shop, so this connection is noted only as historical context. What makes this piece especially interesting is the combination of. Imperial Japanese Navy provenance, an exact year, an official skill-award inscription, traditional samurai imagery, and a maker’s mark. It is a fascinating example of how the Imperial Japanese Navy combined modern military professionalism with older Japanese warrior symbolism. Approximately 90 years ago, this was given to a serviceman whose technical ability had been officially recognized by the Navy. Age-related wear, surface oxidation, scratches and other signs of use are present. Please examine the photographs carefully for condition. Own a Piece of History. Approximate 7-21days(To USA and Europe).
British IGS (2nd type) in silver with NWF bar, named to PTE. A indigenous recipient attached to a British regular regiment (Kings Shropshire Light Infantry) “Private Follower” is a rare rank to find and these niche medals seldom come on the market. Recipient is probably an Officer’s valet or orderly, rather than a water carrier or sweeper, whose medals are clearly named in that manner. Medal is in EF condition with original ribbon.